Healthy Baked Pumpkin Donuts: Your Autumn Treat Upgrade

Why Make This Recipe

As the leaves start to change and the air turns crisp, there’s no better way to celebrate autumn than with a delicious treat! Healthy Baked Pumpkin Donuts are not only a festive addition to your seasonal celebrations, but they also come with health benefits. Packed with nutritious ingredients, these donuts are a guilt-free indulgence that everyone can enjoy. They are lower in calories than traditional fried donuts, making them a great choice for those looking to satisfy their fall cravings without the added sugar and fat. Plus, they are easy to make and taste amazing! Who wouldn’t want to enjoy a warm, spiced donut with a cup of coffee or tea on a chilly autumn afternoon?

How to Make Healthy Baked Pumpkin Donuts

Making Healthy Baked Pumpkin Donuts is simpler than you might think. Follow these easy directions to whip up a batch that your friends and family will love!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Pumpkin Puree (You can substitute this with canned pumpkin)
• 1/2 cup Milk (For a dairy-free option, use almond or oat milk)
• 1/4 cup Vegetable Oil (Coconut oil or melted butter also work)
• 1 cup All-Purpose Flour (Switch to a gluten-free blend for a gluten-free option)
• 1/2 cup Brown Sugar (Coconut sugar can be a good substitute)
• 1 teaspoon Pumpkin Pie Spice (Or swap it out for a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger)
• 1 teaspoon Baking Powder (Make sure it’s fresh for the best rise)
• 1 teaspoon Cinnamon (Adjust to your taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon Salt
• 1/4 teaspoon Nutmeg (Use sparingly, as it can be strong)
• 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar (Coconut sugar is an alternative)
• 2 tablespoons Butter (You can use vegetable oil instead)

Directions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your donuts will bake evenly.

2. Prepare the Pan: Grease a donut pan with butter or non-stick cooking spray. This will help the donuts come out easily.

3. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, brown sugar, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, salt, nutmeg, and granulated sugar. Mix well until all the dry ingredients are evenly blended.

4. Combine the Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, milk, vegetable oil, and melted butter. Stir until the mixture is smooth.

5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay!

6. Fill the Donut Pan: Spoon the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about two-thirds full.

7. Bake: Place the donut pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

8. Cool: Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

9. Serve and Enjoy: Once they have cooled, serve your donuts as they are, or drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk!

How to Serve Healthy Baked Pumpkin Donuts

Healthy Baked Pumpkin Donuts can be served in a variety of delightful ways! You can enjoy them fresh out of the oven or allow them to cool. Here are some serving suggestions:

• Plain or Glazed: They’re delicious as is or with a light glaze. You can make a quick glaze by mixing powdered sugar with a splash of milk and drizzling it over the top.
• With Toppings: Enhance the flavor by adding toppings like chopped nuts or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar.
• Pairing Beverages: These donuts pair wonderfully with a warm cup of coffee, chai tea, or hot chocolate for a cozy treat.

How to Store Healthy Baked Pumpkin Donuts

To keep your Healthy Baked Pumpkin Donuts fresh:

• Room Temperature: Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.
• Refrigeration: If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. Just make sure they are in a sealed container.
• Freezing: You can also freeze them! Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They can last up to three months. When you want to enjoy one, simply thaw at room temperature or warm them in the microwave.

Tips to Make Healthy Baked Pumpkin Donuts

Here are some helpful tips to ensure your Healthy Baked Pumpkin Donuts come out perfectly every time:

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure that your baking powder is fresh for the best results. Old baking powder can lead to dense donuts.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter until just combined to keep the donuts light and fluffy.
• Check for Doneness: Every oven is different, so keep an eye on the donuts as they bake. Use a toothpick to check for doneness.
• Customize the Spice: If you love spices, feel free to adjust the amount of cinnamon and nutmeg to your liking!

Variation

If you’re looking to mix things up, there are plenty of variations you can try with this recipe:

• Chocolate Pumpkin Donuts: Add cocoa powder to your batter for a rich chocolate flavor. Adjust the flour accordingly.
• Nutty Addition: Fold in chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to add a delightful crunch to your donuts.
• Fruity Twist: Add some dried cranberries or chocolate chips for an added layer of flavor and texture.

FAQs

1. Can I use canned pumpkin instead of fresh pumpkin puree?

Yes, you can absolutely use canned pumpkin puree! It saves time and still gives you that wonderful pumpkin flavor.

2. Are these donuts gluten-free?

Yes! You can easily make these donuts gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.

3. Can I make these donuts vegan?

Yes, to make these donuts vegan, you can substitute the milk with a plant-based milk, use coconut oil instead of butter, and use only plant-based options for the sugars.

4. What can I do if I don’t have a donut pan?

If you don’t have a donut pan, you can use a muffin pan. Just adjust the baking time since muffins might require a bit more time to cook through.

5. Can I add frosting to these donuts?

Absolutely! You can add a rich cream cheese frosting or even a simple glaze on top for an extra treat. Just keep in mind this will increase the calorie count.

6. How can I make these donuts more cake-like?

If you prefer a cake-like texture, you can add an extra egg to the mixture or replace some of the flour with almond flour for a denser donut.

By following this simple recipe, you can enjoy a delicious batch of Healthy Baked Pumpkin Donuts that not only taste great but also provide a hint of healthiness to your autumn treats. Whether you share them with friends or keep them all to yourself, these donuts are a delightful way to welcome the fall season!

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